Modelling of Stator Coil–To–Ground Faults in Induction Motor

Abstract

Three–phase squirrel cage induction motors are the most widespread types of electrical motors which can be found in both industrial and tertiary applications. There are some reasons why they are so often used, such as simple construction, nearly maintenance-free, advantageous price and the possibility to feed them directly from the AC network. Even if their reliability is very high, some unexpected breakdowns can occur during their operation. In this paper, coil–to–ground faults of motor stator winding have been taken into consideration. These failures have been modelled in several points of one stator phase using COMSOL software. As seen from simulation results these failures have a significant impact on current distribution in stator phases causing changes in rotor currents, motor inner torque, speed, etc., depending strongly on the actual point of the failure.